A betrayal of trust is among the most painful occurrences in life. It is one thing for a stranger or an enemy to hurt us; but when a spouse, family member, or one-time ally turns against us, the hurt is magnified many times. That is why adultery is so disturbing. It is something that shakes us to the core.

The Israelites had a trust, a covenant with God. The Lord, in love, had delivered them from Egyptian bondage. God had led them through the sea and the wilderness and had given them a land flowing with milk and honey, a land with vineyards and oliveyards they had not planted. In gratitude they had pledged their fidelity to the Lord. Out of all the gods, they would serve and worship him alone, they said (See Lesson Four.). But the people betrayed that trust. They committed adultery against God. They “lusted after other gods and bowed down to them” (Joshua 2:17).